As we produce journalism that combats authoritarianism, censorship, injustice, and misinformation, your support is urgently needed. Please make a year-end gift to Truthout today.

Over a dozen files on alleged child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein that were released by the Department of Justice last week have been removed from the department’s website.

In addition to removing the files, critics have alleged that the DOJ has not released the entirety of Epstein investigation materials that should have been made public. Authors of the bill that compelled the administration to release the files have suggested financial punishments against Trump administration officials if they fail to comply soon.

CBS News reports that at least 15 files that were included in the DOJ’s database of Epstein files are no longer available to view. The department has stated that some materials were taken down to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims, but it’s unclear why those specific files were removed.

“Photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information,” the DOJ said on social media.

One file has been restored — a photograph of framed pictures in an office, one of which included President Donald Trump, leading to speculation that the files were removed in order to protect him. The DOJ initially claimed the picture was taken down “out of an abundance of caution” to review whether potential victims were in the image.

“After the review, it was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction,” the DOJ said in a statement.

But the DOJ has heavily redacted hundreds of pages of material, possibly in violation of

© Truthout